188体育

Aujeszky鈥檚 disease, which is also known as pseudorabies, affects pigs. It can also infect:

• cattle
• sheep
• cats
• dogs
• rats

It doesn鈥檛 affect humans.

The last outbreak in Great Britain was in 1989.

How to spot Aujeszky鈥檚 disease

In piglets

Aujeszky鈥檚 disease affects the nervous system. In piglets signs include:

• shivering
• loss of coordination
• weak hind legs

The disease is normally fatal for piglets.

Mature pigs

In adult pigs signs include:

• breathing problems
• fever and weight loss
• pregnant sows may abort piglets, or give birth to weak and shivering piglets

Other animals

Other infected animals will have concentrated and intense itchiness. They will lick, rub or chew at the itchy spot.

They tend to die within a few days of infection.

How Aujeszky鈥檚 disease is spread

Aujeszky鈥檚 disease is generally spread by direct, nose to nose, contact between pigs.

The virus can also become airborne and spread over longer distances.

It can also be spread through objects contaminated with the virus.

Preventing and controlling Aujeszky鈥檚 disease

You can help prevent disease by practising strict biosecurity on your premises.

If you report suspicion of Aujeszky鈥檚 disease APHA vets will investigate.

If the disease is confirmed the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases.

Further information on prevention and control

Controls to prevent disease

What happens when a notifiable disease is suspected or confirmed

Legislation relating to Aujeszky鈥檚 disease

The main disease control legislation for Aujeszky鈥檚 Disease are the and the .